Unexpected Delight in Battery Park City’s ‘Inatteso Cafe’
Ideally, finding a good cafe in New York City has proven to be more difficult than finding an empty bench. Even still, a cafe can have the food, but it may not always prove to have the taste you’re looking for. In a community driven neighborhood like South Cove, Inatteso cafe has proven to be the community’s leading cafe and provides all the right reasons for others to come and explore how much better their coffee, baked goods, and specialty drinks are.
Inatteso cafe has been the epicenter of South Cove’s fast-paced atmosphere since its opening in 2008. When there isn’t enough time running on the clock for you to charge up. Inatteso cafe makes your day easier and leaves your taste buds fulfilled.
Influenced by Italian interior design and cooking style/technique, you walk into this cafe and you will transport outside of New York City. The inside of the cafe is covered in brown-bamboo walls head to toe. The overall atmosphere feels exclusive, exquisite and chic, completely distinct from other cafe’s scrambled and unappealing appearances. For coffee-lovers who want to drink in comfort, Inatteso gives the unique opportunity to bask in its luxury.
Apart from the inside of the cafe, there’s a quirky color palette and design scheme that’s quite hard to miss. From the walls to the plates, everything here is intentional and purposeful. It’s rare to come across cafes that have a sense of vibrancy to it. The colors of the cups and plates used to serve are green, pink, orange, and white. These bright colors may not add to the meal, but it adds to how you see it. Essentially, it's a bit more enjoyable to drink delicious tea and baked goods when it’s presented so beautifully.
The menu’s writing style is awfully unique, and presents a range of breakfast sandwiches to specialty pizza. With moveable letters and numbers similar to dry erase boards, this restaurant feels as if it's for the young population. Ironically, this establishment, though not brand new, is relatively new to the scene with its design renovation in 2020. This cafe has an endless array of freshly baked gourmet goods, all with high quality ingredients that deliver outstanding taste. Some of their most popular foods include Panini Caprese and their almond and chocolate croissants.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the food is the customer’s ability to witness its preparation. This intimate experience translates into the personal characteristics within the establishment. Although you’re not making the food yourself, it feels close enough to it. In front of the register lies an organized arrangement of donuts, cakes, and cupcakes.
The personality and mood of Inatteso cafe has well to do with the deep-seated fundamentals of the South Cove community. In 2008, Inatteso cafe made itself home to a wide variety of residents who share a common interest in quality. South Cove has a long-lasting history of being true to its members and culture. The existing culture of the neighborhood reigns true to how its businesses have existed and flourished. Inatteso cafe is only a testament to how profound these principles are.
Although the demographic of customers seems to be mostly residents who live in the area, Inatteso serves everyone. The open couch-like chairs and small tables is nothing short of inviting for everyone to come try out. It may seem like most cafes you come across aren’t as inviting, but here they make sure you're welcomed and appreciated the moment you walk in.
Immediately upon entry, you’re greeted with a bright smile and warm welcoming, similar to what you feel walking down the streets of Battery Park City. The servers of the restaurant show tremendous hospitality to both new and familiar faces as they are quick to conversate with you. Small talk is something New Yorkers are used to. But what’s the likelihood of enjoying it at 9 in the morning on a Tuesday while getting your coffee? Most residents walk into the restaurant with conversation already as they are more than likely known to the workers. Even still, there is no sense of favoritism here. You can feel the core of generosity when ordering your drink or meal.
With such a great cafe also comes a great owner. Elizabeth Lind, General manager of Inatteso cafe, has been the leading example of the restaurant's evolution and productivity since 2012. With her expertise and extensive knowledge of pastry and chef skills, she does more in her time than just lead her employees, she’s also serving you, the customer.
Lind is very hands-on with her work and hands-on with the community. Most owners merely aim to be the face of the business, but she’s the face you see when you walk in and when you grab your order. She is recognized as someone who is trustworthy, mission driven, and a lover of people. You can instantly feel her connection with her customers and with newcomers. Many see her as an undisputed advocate for the community, and a friendly face for anyone to seek out. This demonstrates a much larger and appreciated quality of South Cove which is tied to the comforting and evolving culture of the neighborhood.
Inatteso cafe isn’t limited to just in-person ordering. They provide online ordering as well for those who need more time for errands or work. All the same food choices and drink selections are readily available at your fingertips. You don’t have to wait in line or wait til you’re available. You can get it on the go or right in person.
South Cove is home to nonstop service and infinite choices of foods, drinks, and relaxation. Even if you are looking for more, there’s always more you can find right here. The food may be the best part here at Inatteso Cafe, but the irreplaceable aura and ambiance of the restaurant leaves it in its own lane of hospitality. I don’t think you’ll find another one quite like this.